law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v banish_v the_o commonwealth_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n they_o be_v banish_v that_o society_n only_o who_o law_n and_o constitution_n they_o submit_v not_o unto_o and_o so_o this_o answerer_n say_v well_o non_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la habere_fw-la civem_fw-la qui_fw-la parere_fw-la nescit_fw-la neither_o church_n nor_o commonwealth_n have_v need_n of_o those_o person_n who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o obey_v but_o till_o there_o be_v a_o due_a distinction_n make_v between_o the_o church_n and_o state_n between_o civil_a and_o religious_a society_n and_o that_o liberty_n in_o religion_n allow_v unto_o all_o man_n which_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n allow_v and_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o see_v religion_n flourish_v nor_o peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o christendom_n query_n vi._n whether_o be_v there_o any_o visible_a live_a judge_n in_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n to_o who_o determination_n any_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v his_o assent_n and_o obedience_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n guide_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o light_n and_o knowledge_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n a_o clear_a and_o positive_a answer_n to_o this_o query_n will_v go_v far_o towards_o the_o end_n our_o great_a difference_n and_o dispute_n in_o religion_n for_o either_o there_o be_v or_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o be_v here_o inquire_v after_o if_o such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v let_v he_o be_v produce_v and_o his_o determination_n in_o all_o controversial_a point_n be_v make_v know_v that_o they_o may_v be_v submit_v to_o or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o judge_n why_o be_v any_o molest_v and_o trouble_v for_o go_v according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v what_o be_v say_v of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o that_o every_o society_n may_v agree_v upon_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o all_o difference_n arise_v in_o it_o may_v be_v determine_v that_o may_v probable_o violatate_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n thereof_o be_v not_o to_o the_o present_a question_n which_o be_v only_o concern_v such_o a_o judge_n in_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n to_o who_o determination_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o yield_v his_o assent_n and_o obedience_n against_o his_o own_o judgement_n we_o have_v already_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o who_o submit_v not_o to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n and_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n thereof_o and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n assume_v no_o other_o power_n or_o privilege_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o quarrel_n or_o exception_n against_o she_o for_o that_o but_o whereas_o he_o say_v she_o do_v not_o like_o the_o papist_n own_o any_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o religion_n if_o he_o mean_v infallible_a judge_n like_o the_o papist_n none_o say_v she_o do_v or_o if_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o she_o own_v no_o such_o judge_n of_o controversy_n as_o to_o oblige_v any_o to_o acquiess_n in_o her_o determination_n against_o their_o own_o judgement_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o his_o say_n she_o require_v none_o of_o her_o member_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o her_o determination_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n why_o do_v he_o molest_v and_o trouble_v any_o for_o not_o yield_v such_o obedience_n and_o if_o all_o she_o demand_v as_o he_o say_v be_v but_o that_o obedience_n be_v give_v to_o those_o law_n which_o be_v undoubted_o divine_a a_o acquiescence_n yield_v to_o some_o disputable_a point_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o against_o a_o man_n conscience_n and_o a_o conformity_n to_o some_o indifferent_a rite_n etc._n etc._n which_o all_o judge_n to_o be_v indifferent_a no_o rational_a man_n can_v sure_o except_v against_o any_o of_o this_o nor_o deny_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v as_o much_o umpire_n and_o judge_n in_o these_o matter_n as_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n in_o any_o of_o the_o separate_a congregation_n it_o be_v as_o he_o very_o well_o say_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o plead_v that_o they_o make_v conscience_n their_o guide_n unless_o they_o take_v scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n nor_o can_v any_o plead_v conscience_n for_o disobey_v lawful_a authority_n in_o thing_n innocent_a and_o indifferent_a where_o they_o judge_v the_o thing_n command_v to_o be_v so_o but_o what_o some_o may_v count_v indifferent_a other_o may_v judge_v sinful_a the_o scripture_n command_v obedience_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a for_o conscience-sake_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o none_o ought_v to_o obey_v or_o comply_v in_o any_o thing_n against_o conscience_n since_o none_o against_o conscience_n can_v be_v subject_a for_o conscience-sake_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o horrid_a impiety_n and_o immorality_n have_v be_v act_v under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n though_o they_o can_v never_o be_v justify_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n and_o where_o any_o plead_v conscience_n against_o all_o sense_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o a_o reprobate_a state_n of_o mind_n but_o some_o man_n abandon_v or_o abuse_v conscience_n will_v never_o justify_v other_o despise_v and_o deride_v of_o it_o whether_o dissenter_n endeavour_v after_o the_o best_a information_n they_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v unto_o and_o in_o other_o thing_n do_v their_o duty_n be_v no_o part_n of_o this_o query_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v too_o blame_v and_o will_v have_v the_o more_o to_o answer_v for_o another_o day_n and_o can_v with_o that_o satisfaction_n bear_v their_o present_a suffering_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v do_v as_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o separation_n whether_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v it_o or_o excuse_v they_o of_o schism_n will_v be_v more_o seasonable_o argue_v when_o this_o answerer_n or_o his_o adherent_n shall_v tell_v we_o of_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o in_o the_o query_n be_v inquire_v after_o to_o determine_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o who_o in_o the_o wrong_n who_o keep_v to_o and_o who_o swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n query_n vii_o whether_o to_o inflict_v corporal_a punishment_n upon_o any_o as_o transgressor_n in_o those_o matter_n which_o no_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n whatever_o have_v authority_n to_o pronounce_v a_o judicial_a difinitive_a sentence_n in_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o any_o man_n duty_n to_o yield_v his_o assent_n or_o obedience_n thereunto_o be_v not_o to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n and_o whether_o to_o do_v so_o be_v not_o against_o all_o rule_n and_o form_n of_o justice_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o no_o sober_a or_o judicious_a heathen_a be_v ever_o yet_o guilty_a of_o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n have_v not_o this_o officious_a person_n take_v on_o he_o the_o answer_a question_n before_o he_o understand_v they_o he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o all_o he_o have_v here_o say_v have_v only_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o the_o gentleman_n be_v mean_o read_v as_o he_o say_v but_o the_o clergyman_n not_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v that_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o error_n and_o absurdity_n we_o here_o meet_v with_o the_o query_n not_o be_v so_o impertinent_a as_o his_o ignorance_n apprehend_v it_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_o unjust_a then_o that_o any_o shall_v suffer_v as_o transgressor_n in_o those_o matter_n wherein_o in_o none_o be_v authorise_v to_o pass_v a_o judicial_a definitive_a sentence_n whether_o they_o have_v therein_o transgress_v or_o not_o in_o which_o case_n to_o punish_v be_v to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n and_o that_o we_o say_v be_v such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o no_o sober_a or_o judicious_a heathen_a be_v ever_o yet_o guilty_a of_o have_v we_o not_o then_o to_o do_v with_o a_o ingenious_a and_o pleasant_a person_n who_o have_v spend_v above_o twenty_o page_n to_o no_o purpose_n be_v whole_o from_o the_o question_n have_v at_o last_o the_o face_n or_o folly_n rather_o to_o tell_v we_o he_o hope_v now_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v no_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o every_o child_n that_o can_v but_o read_v english_a will_v have_v tell_v he_o that_o not_o to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o
matter_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n be_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n mention_v in_o the_o querie_n and_o though_o this_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a reply_n to_o so_o pertinent_a and_o judicious_a a_o answer_n yet_o lest_o he_o shall_v conceit_v himself_o to_o have_v say_v something_o material_a though_o not_o to_o the_o present_a question_n we_o will_v examine_v all_o he_o here_o say_v as_o we_o have_v do_v his_o precede_a answer_n though_o little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o question_n before_o he_o as_o every_o intelligent_a and_o discern_a reader_n see_v none_o sure_a ever_o deny_v judicious_a heathen_n to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o inflict_v corporal_a punishment_n upon_o christian_n yet_o do_v none_o of_o they_o ever_o do_v it_o before_o they_o judge_v christianity_n itself_o criminal_a and_o so_o do_v not_o execute_v before_o judgement_n though_o it_o be_v a_o erroneous_a and_o a_o unrighteous_a judgement_n and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v heretofore_o the_o devil_n policy_n to_o serve_v himself_o of_o those_o who_o be_v most_o eminent_a for_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a accomplishment_n in_o persecute_v christ_n disciple_n to_o beget_v in_o undiscerning_a mind_n the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o they_o he_o seem_v now_o to_o have_v lose_v much_o of_o his_o ancient_a subtlety_n rare_o employ_v in_o that_o base_a work_n but_o the_o most_o vicious_a and_o flagitious_a liver_n it_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o puzzle_v this_o answerer_n to_o prove_v what_o he_o affirm_v viz._n that_o they_o who_o be_v serious_a and_o reserve_v and_o stict_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v the_o great_a opposer_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n the_o contrary_a be_v evident_a and_o the_o very_a assertion_n a_o contradiction_n of_o itself_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o religion_n have_v of_o late_a indeed_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o many_o man_n thought_n and_o discourse_n but_o none_o sure_a do_v affirm_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o use_v all_o due_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o service_n he_o requry_n of_o they_o but_o that_o secular_a force_n be_v a_o mean_n conducive_a thereunto_o many_o indeed_o do_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n therefore_o plead_v for_o by_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o as_o he_o say_v that_o man_n may_v serve_v or_o not_o serve_v god_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n of_o serve_v god_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n they_o judge_v he_o will_v be_v serve_v while_o under_o pretence_n thereof_o they_o become_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o ral_a evil_n or_o impiety_n and_o that_o none_o be_v force_v to_o conform_v to_o such_o way_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o judge_v sinful_a or_o may_v not_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o as_o the_o best_a of_o thing_n be_v not_o exempt_a from_o the_o worst_a of_o abuse_n so_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o as_o some_o plead_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o may_v render_v unto_o god_n a_o acceptable_a service_n other_o again_o may_v plead_v for_o liberty_n also_o to_o be_v excuse_v the_o preformance_n of_o those_o duty_n god_n require_v of_o they_o to_o distinguish_v therefore_o between_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o magistrate_n great_a care_n and_o concern_v but_o for_o this_o answerer_n to_o say_v because_o '_o its_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o let_v man_n alone_o in_o the_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o god_n their_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n i.e._n in_o the_o preformance_n of_o those_o religious_a duty_n god_n require_v of_o they_o and_o none_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v true_o such_o therefore_o god_n may_v be_v either_o serve_v or_o blaspheme_v own_a or_o disow_v by_o they_o be_v such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o none_o i_o think_v but_o himself_o will_v have_v make_v for_o no_o sober_a man_n sure_a ever_o doubt_v it_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o see_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v that_o god_n be_v own_a and_o due_o serve_v by_o all_o under_o he_o and_o all_o moral_a evil_n and_o impiety_n restrain_v and_o punish_v nor_o can_v any_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n excuse_n much_o less_o justify_v as_o he_o say_v blasphemy_n or_o exempt_v any_o guilty_a thereof_o or_o of_o the_o like_a moral_a evil_n from_o the_o magistrate_n revenge_v power_n which_o be_v indeed_o for_o he_o to_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a and_o now_o our_o answerer_n crave_v his_o reader_n be_v patience_n by_o speak_v as_o he_o say_v something_o large_o to_o this_o query_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v crave_v his_o pardon_n rather_o for_o mistake_v the_o question_n and_o entertain_v he_o with_o so_o impertinent_a and_o tedious_a a_o combat_n with_o his_o own_o shadow_n but_o so_o bewitch_a be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o conquest_n that_o sensible_a of_o his_o advantage_n on_o his_o man_n of_o straw_n he_o never_o think_v he_o have_v sufficient_o beat_v he_o to_o begin_v therefore_o he_o crave_v leave_v to_o tell_v the_o gentleman_n the_o clergyman_n be_v none_o of_o the_o wise_a to_o think_v that_o doomsday_n judgement_n be_v the_o judgement_n here_o speak_v of_o but_o to_o do_v he_o right_o on_o all_o occasion_n he_o be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o right_n in_o say_v it_o be_v no_o anticipation_n of_o god_n judgement_n at_o doomsday_n to_o inflict_v corporal_n or_o pecuniary_a penalty_n upon_o those_o that_o offend_v against_o the_o know_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o duty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o have_v ask_v to_o have_v it_o show_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o more_o in_o religion_n then_o in_o civil_a concern_v a_o magistrate_n say_v he_o for_o pronounce_v a_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n upon_o a_o felon_n or_o a_o murderer_n may_v be_v say_v to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n for_o grant_v a_o warrant_n to_o levy_v 12d_o upon_o a_o atheist_n or_o papist_n for_o not_o repair_v upon_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o his_o parish_n church_n and_o why_o then_o will_v this_o gentleman_n this_o ignorant_a gentleman_n say_v that_o the_o execution_n of_o such_o a_o mild_a or_o perhaps_o a_o severe_a law_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o very_a law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o question_n fit_a to_o be_v ask_v and_o have_v be_v a_o folly_n never_o to_o have_v be_v answer_v have_v he_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o with_o this_o learned_a and_o judicious_a answerer_n good_a leave_n the_o gentleman_n will_v take_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o shall_v a_o magistrate_n pronounce_v sentence_n of_o condemnation_n and_o execute_v a_o felon_n or_o a_o murderer_n before_o he_o be_v convict_v and_o judge_v a_o felon_n or_o a_o murderer_n it_o will_v be_v such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o no_o sober_a or_o judicious_a heathen_a be_v ever_o yet_o guilty_a of_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o levy_v 12d_o upon_o any_o for_o not_o come_v to_o church_n before_o he_o be_v convict_v of_o not_o come_v and_o his_o not_o come_v judge_v a_o crime_n that_o all_o nation_n whether_o jewish_n heathen_a or_o christian_n have_v as_o he_o say_v assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o protect_v the_o honour_n of_o those_o deity_n they_o have_v make_v the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o punish_v those_o offender_n that_o have_v either_o neglect_v their_o duty_n or_o affront_v the_o majesty_n of_o those_o god_n which_o they_o have_v pretend_v to_o serve_v be_v so_o evident_a and_o notorious_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v time_n lose_v to_o prove_v it_o our_o answerer_n therefore_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o not_o have_v give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o prove_v what_o none_o sure_o ever_o deny_v or_o doubt_v but_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o grotius_n his_o observation_n out_o of_o sneca_n viz._n that_o those_o who_o violate_v religion_n have_v various_a kind_n of_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n but_o inflict_v some_o no_o certain_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o nothing_o be_v more_o consonant_a thereunto_o and_o who_o i_o pray_v be_v great_a violator_n of_o religion_n than_o they_o who_o subvert_v or_o alter_v its_o divine_a or_o original_a institution_n when_o numa_n pompilius_n as_o he_o observe_v institute_v a_o pontifex_n maximus_n or_o chief_a priest_n and_o commit_v to_o he_o
all_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o mystery_n give_v he_o order_n with_o what_o sacrifice_n and_o upon_o what_o day_n and_o in_o what_o place_n the_o rite_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v perforw_v have_v it_o not_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o have_v use_v other_o sacrifice_n upon_o other_o day_n in_o other_o place_n and_o with_o other_o rite_n than_o he_o appoint_v and_o if_o among_o heathen_n as_o he_o far_o observe_v both_o public_a and_o private_a mystery_n be_v all_o determine_v by_o the_o chief_a priest_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v where_o the_o common_a people_n may_v repair_v to_o worship_v their_o god_n lest_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o disorder_n or_o confusion_n in_o religion_n either_o by_o neglect_v the_o sacred_a rite_n of_o their_o country_n or_o introduce_v any_o that_o be_v foreign_a and_o strange_a shall_v not_o we_o allow_v the_o lord_n jesus_n our_o high_a priest_n to_o determine_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n with_o all_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n thereof_o that_o under_o pretence_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n there_o may_v not_o be_v introduce_v that_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o those_o sacred_a rite_n of_o his_o institution_n and_o the_o introduce_v such_o as_o be_v foreign_a and_o strange_a into_o his_o worship_n let_v not_o therefore_o those_o that_o abhor_v idol_n commit_v sacrildge_n and_o if_o heathen_a roman_n as_o he_o observe_v be_v so_o careful_a that_o none_o but_o the_o roman_a deity_n may_v be_v worship_v â—nd_v that_o after_o no_o other_o manner_n but_o that_o of_o their_o own_o institution_n how_o much_o more_o careful_a and_o concern_v aught_o christian_n to_o be_v that_o none_o but_o the_o almighty_a the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n be_v worship_v and_o that_o after_o no_o other_o manner_n then_o that_o of_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o appointment_n and_o since_o as_o this_o answerer_n observe_v that_o wise_a people_n be_v so_o jealous_a and_o careful_a lest_o any_o innovation_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o their_o religion_n and_o lest_o its_o uniformity_n and_o integrity_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v by_o the_o custom_n and_o mixture_n of_o other_o country_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v christ_n disciple_n to_o be_v jealous_a and_o careful_a that_o no_o innovention_n be_v make_v or_o humane_a invention_n add_v to_o christ_n institution_n either_o as_o to_o matter_n or_o to_o mannes_z beyond_o the_o orderly_a observance_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o necessary_o attend_v such_o ordinance_n as_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v lest_o the_o uniformity_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o worship_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v by_o the_o custom_n and_o mixture_n of_o other_o country_n in_o the_o establish_n of_o different_a way_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n invention_n and_o fancy_n and_o since_o not_o only_a grotius_n from_o st._n anstin_n observe_v that_o the_o roman_n be_v successful_a in_o their_o arm_n because_o they_o have_v a_o hearty_a respect_n and_o veneration_n for_o religion_n but_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 8._o that_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v sure_o it_o can_v be_v against_o no_o rule_n or_o form_n of_o justice_n or_o prudence_n nor_o any_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o christian_a prince_n to_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o a_o true_a religion_n as_o the_o heathen_n be_v for_o a_o false_a one_o but_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v he_o that_o answer_v a_o matter_n before_o he_o hear_v it_o so_o he_o that_o answer_v a_o question_n before_o he_o understand_v it_o it_o shall_v be_v â—_o folly_n and_o shame_n unto_o he_o and_o now_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o the_o zeal_n and_o care_n the_o holy_a king_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v of_o religion_n which_o will_v never_o prove_v that_o to_o execute_v before_o judgement_n be_v no_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o in_o the_o least_o prejudice_n any_o principle_n these_o query_n labour_v to_o support_v when_o he_o shall_v inform_v we_o what_o david_n order_v the_o turn_n and_o course_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o set_v up_o music_n in_o the_o temple_n it_o be_v to_o this_o query_n it_o may_v be_v consider_v of_o or_o if_o he_o will_v inâ—er_v from_o it_o that_o civil_a magistrate_n without_o particular_a warrant_n or_o commission_n from_o god_n may_v order_v or_o appoint_v in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n what_o they_o please_v or_o shall_v judge_n conducive_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o â—ecent_a and_o orderly_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o question_n we_o be_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v in_o and_o shall_v therefore_o pass_v it_o by_o asa_n do_v not_o any_o thing_n 14_o which_o be_v by_o any_o deny_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n nor_o command_v aught_o in_o other_o which_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v â—â—kewise_o to_o be_v they_o and_o notwitstand_v â—ur_n answerer_n assert_v the_o contrary_a the_o covenant_n which_o asa_n 15_o and_o all_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n and_o the_o stranger_n with_o they_o enter_v into_o be_v voluntary_a in_o all_o party_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o do_v it_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o again_o v_o 14._o they_o swear_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n and_o with_o shout_v and_o with_o trumpet_n and_o with_o cornet_n and_o all_o judah_n rejoice_v at_o the_o oath_n for_o they_o have_v swear_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a desire_n and_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o there_o can_v well_o be_v great_a evidence_n to_o prove_v any_o action_n to_o have_v be_v voluntary_a for_o god_n be_v not_o find_v of_o those_o who_o seek_v he_o not_o in_o sincerity_n and_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n who_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o with_o their_o lip_n while_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o let_v none_o therefore_o too_o hasty_o credit_v this_o answerer_n in_o aught_o he_o say_v but_o like_o the_o noble_a berean_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o oâ—_n no._n jehoshaphat_n we_o be_v tell_v use_v his_o coercive_a power_n in_o take_v away_o the_o high_a place_n and_o grove_n dedicate_v to_o idolatry_n and_o what_o do_v he_o therein_o which_o all_o judah_n acknowledge_v not_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o who_o do_v ever_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o send_v teacher_n to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o judge_v it_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o to_o do_v and_o what_o do_v jehojada_n in_o put_v athalia_fw-la to_o death_n and_o in_o make_v a_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o between_o all_o the_o people_n and_o between_o the_o king_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o lord_n people_n and_o iâ—_n break_v down_o the_o altar_n and_o image_n in_o the_o house_n of_o baal_n and_o slay_v the_o priest_n thereof_o before_o the_o altar_n which_o he_o have_v not_o good_a authority_n to_o do_v and_o which_o all_o judah_n approve_v not_o of_o the_o reformation_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n be_v very_o eminent_a but_o nothing_o do_v by_o either_o of_o they_o or_o by_o any_o of_o the_o good_a king_n of_o judah_n do_v in_o the_o least_o oppugn_v aught_o in_o this_o or_o in_o any_o of_o these_o query_n what_o do_v hezekiah_n in_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o temple_n that_o have_v be_v long_o shut_v up_o in_o cleanse_v the_o city_n and_o kingdom_n from_o idol_n in_o restore_v the_o priest_n to_o their_o office_n and_o due_n in_o revive_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o have_v be_v long_o neglect_v and_o celebrate_v the_o pass-ove_a with_o great_a magnificence_n more_o than_o what_o every_o man_n conscience_n tell_v he_o be_v right_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o do_v josiah_n 34._o in_o make_v a_o covenant_n before_o the_o lord_n to_o milk_n after_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o his_o testimony_n and_o his_o statute_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n to_o perform_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cause_v all_o that_o be_v present_a in_o jerusalem_n and_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o it_o yea_o in_o make_v all_o that_o be_v present_a in_o israel_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n do_v aught_o which_o any_o acknowledge_v not_o to_o be_v both_o he_o and_o their_o duty_n and_o how_o make_v he_o they_o to_o do_v all_o this_o be_v it_o by_o secular_a force_n and_o power_n 30._o or_o by_o read_v unto_o they_o
all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v it_o not_o by_o convince_a they_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v for_o it_o reach_v no_o far_a than_o to_o those_o who_o be_v present_a and_o who_o deny_v the_o like_a power_n unto_o christian_a magistrate_n nor_o need_v there_o any_o great_a search_n in_o the_o annal_n of_o time_n and_o history_n of_o age_n to_o know_v that_o prince_n and_o people_n never_o more_o prosper_v then_o when_o religion_n be_v countenance_v idolatry_n punish_v and_o the_o great_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o schism_n the_o require_v other_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n than_o god_n require_v be_v unknown_a or_o remove_v nor_o be_v there_o aught_o in_o the_o instance_n before_o mention_v that_o need_v any_o such_o construction_n or_o evasion_n as_o this_o answerer_n speak_v of_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o liberty_n in_o religion_n plead_v for_o for_o who_o do_v ever_o deny_v unto_o magistrate_n power_n to_o command_v and_o require_v their_o people_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o god_n have_v express_v and_o declare_v he_o will_v be_v serve_v or_o to_o remove_v such_o outward_a appearance_n and_o monument_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v evident_o and_o apparent_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a which_o in_o both_o instance_n be_v but_o the_o case_n of_o the_o beforementioned_a king_n of_o judah_n but_o that_o which_o be_v except_v against_o be_v the_o prohibit_v any_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o none_o can_v say_v to_o be_v against_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n or_o displease_v unto_o he_o or_o the_o compel_a any_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o they_o judge_v sinful_a or_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o and_o though_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v far_o differ_v from_o what_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n yet_o sure_o prince_n be_v not_o as_o he_o say_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n where_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o command_v aught_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o god_n will_v or_o command_v and_o so_o they_o may_v do_v still_o by_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n and_o useful_a thereunto_o but_o what_o be_v it_o this_o answerer_n have_v find_v in_o the_o 49_o chap_n of_o isaiah_n to_o prove_v the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o religion_n god_n affectionate_a answer_n to_o his_o people_n complaint_n promise_v never_o to_o forget_v they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o neither_o his_o promise_n of_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n and_o add_v to_o their_o number_n nor_o yet_o that_o king_n shall_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o queen_n nurse_v mother_n to_o his_o church_n for_o nurse_n do_v not_o use_v to_o force_v and_o coerce_v their_o child_n but_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v they_o but_o this_o place_n do_v indeed_o imply_v or_o promise_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v sovereign_a prince_n who_o shall_v nourish_v and_o cherish_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o take_v care_n that_o no_o hurt_n or_o violence_n be_v offer_v unto_o they_o or_o to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o metaphor_n will_v bear_v since_o true_a religion_n can_v be_v force_v or_o uphold_v by_o secular_a power_n it_o be_v antichristianism_n that_o be_v so_o support_v and_o maintain_v 13._o by_o those_o who_o give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n unto_o the_o beast_n and_o they_o carry_v the_o metaphor_n too_o far_o who_o will_v have_v prince_n like_o nurse_n to_o feed_v their_o child_n christ_n have_v appoint_v other_o overseer_n of_o his_o flock_n for_o that_o work_n who_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v indeed_o to_o protect_v and_o defend_v in_o the_o performance_n thereof_o but_o not_o to_o dictate_v nor_o prescribe_v to_o they_o therein_o there_o may_v not_o be_v want_v expositor_n who_o as_o he_o say_v may_v conceive_v this_o prophecy_n to_o have_v be_v fulfil_v when_o emperor_n and_o king_n become_v christian_n and_o enact_v law_n to_o secure_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n from_o all_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o have_v no_o great_a reason_n for_o it_o it_o be_v but_o too_o well_o know_v that_o christian_a religion_n have_v suffer_v more_o than_o ever_o it_o gain_v by_o pretend_a christian_a magistrate_n for_o if_o constantine_n protect_v the_o truth_n his_o successor_n constantius_n with_o divers_a other_o after_o he_o persecute_v it_o yea_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n together_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v its_o great_a opposer_n and_o oppressor_n and_o though_o for_o several_a year_n past_a god_n have_v bless_v this_o nation_n beyond_o most_o of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o king_n and_o queen_n who_o have_v protect_v and_o defend_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o the_o tyranny_n and_o opprssieon_n of_o that_o great_a enemy_n to_o both_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o christendom_n there_o be_v little_a cause_n to_o say_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v when_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v christian_n as_o there_o have_v be_v law_n enact_v by_o king_n and_o state_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o there_o have_v be_v infinite_o more_o enact_v against_o it_o error_n too_o soon_o and_o general_o prevail_v over_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o for_o a_o protestant_n to_o question_n be_v to_o deny_v his_o faith_n he_o can_v be_v think_v a_o friend_n to_o truth_n who_o shall_v oppose_v any_o mean_n conducive_a unto_o its_o promotion_n but_o whoever_o shall_v consider_v how_o few_o of_o the_o mighty_a and_o noble_a of_o the_o earth_n to_o who_o worldly_a power_n and_o authority_n be_v commit_v be_v call_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o must_v acknowledge_v likewise_o that_o where_o one_o law_n bathe_v be_v enact_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o truth_n hundred_o have_v be_v enact_v to_o its_o prejudice_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o in_o opposition_n to_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n that_o we_o plead_v for_o its_o stand_n upon_o its_o own_o bottom_n and_o prevail_v by_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o efficacy_n for_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o plant_v and_o propagate_v throughout_o the_o world_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n so_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o method_n they_o be_v best_a secure_v and_o preserve_v nor_o be_v secular_a force_n and_o power_n a_o mean_n by_o god_n appoint_v or_o in_o its_o nature_n conducive_a to_o the_o promote_a of_o truth_n since_o it_o be_v conviction_n and_o not_o force_n must_v induce_v assent_n and_o though_o some_o heretic_n may_v have_v seem_v to_o retract_v their_o opinion_n upon_o the_o severity_n of_o penal_a law_n against_o they_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o they_o thereby_o become_v real_a convert_n for_o though_o force_n may_v make_v a_o hypocrite_n it_o can_v never_o make_v a_o true_a believer_n if_o we_o believe_v not_o the_o donatist_n and_o independent_n so_o near_o relate_v as_o this_o answerer_n tell_v we_o have_v but_o his_o say_v so_o without_o other_o proof_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o augustine_n change_n his_o mind_n prove_v second_o thought_n to_o be_v always_o best_a it_o will_v not_o we_o hope_v be_v think_v any_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a how_o that_o pious_a father_n be_v molest_v by_o that_o petulant_a faction_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o he_o shall_v approve_v of_o what_o ever_o deliver_v he_o from_o they_o but_o will_v it_o not_o be_v very_o pleasant_a for_o magistrate_n to_o change_v their_o law_n as_o oft_o as_o doctor_n change_v their_o mind_n and_o that_o every_o new_a opinion_n shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o new_a statute_n and_o yet_o i_o full_o approve_v of_o what_o this_o learned_a and_o pious_a father_n that_o king_n as_o be_v command_v they_o from_o heaven_n serve_v god_n in_o that_o office_n when_o in_o their_o kingdom_n they_o command_v what_o be_v good_a and_o prohibit_v what_o be_v evil_a and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o humane_a society_n but_o also_o unto_o divine_a religion_n so_o they_o command_v but_o what_o be_v know_v and_o allow_v to_o be_v good_a and_o in_o man_n power_n to_o do_v and_o prohibit_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n apparent_o evil_a and_o if_o there_o be_v more_o passage_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o this_o
answerer_n tell_v we_o he_o may_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o transcribe_v they_o for_o that_o they_o make_v as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n as_o against_o we_o and_o whereas_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o same_o argument_n the_o socinian_o and_o independent_n urge_v against_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n be_v in_o st._n austin_n '_o s_z day_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o donatist_n and_o answer_v by_o that_o father_n the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v choose_v but_o out_o of_o freedom_n of_o will_n let_v he_o prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o i_o will_v own_v myself_o his_o convert_n and_o though_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o it_o need_v no_o authority_n to_o countenance_n or_o support_v it_o yet_o since_o he_o pretend_v authority_n against_o it_o he_o may_v herâ—_n likewise_o if_o he_o please_v what_o other_o have_v say_v for_o it_o a_o man_n 6._o say_v our_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n have_v not_o the_o power_n over_o his_o own_o understanding_n much_o less_o can_v other_o have_v it_o and_o then_o cite_v picus_n mirandulus_fw-la say_v nullus_fw-la credit_n aliquid_fw-la esse_fw-la verum_fw-la quia_fw-la vult_fw-la credere_fw-la id_fw-la esse_fw-la verum_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la in_o potestate_fw-la hominis_fw-la facere_fw-la aliquid_fw-la apperere_fw-la intellectui_fw-la svo_fw-la verum_fw-la quando_fw-la voluerit_fw-la no_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a because_o he_o will_v believe_v it_o true_a for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o make_v what_o he_o will_v appear_v true_a to_o he_o and_o lactantius_n say_v non_fw-la opus_fw-la vi_fw-la &_o injuria_fw-la quia_fw-la religio_fw-la cogi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la there_o need_v no_o force_n and_o injury_n for_o so_o he_o esteem_v force_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v for_o that_o religion_n can_v be_v compel_v and_o say_v ambrose_n ea_fw-la quae_fw-la divina_fw-la 23._o imperatoniae_fw-la potestati_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la subjecta_fw-la divine_a thing_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o emperor_n power_n and_o again_o write_v to_o valentinian_n the_o young_a he_o say_v ut_fw-la pute_fw-la te_fw-la in_o ea_fw-la quae_fw-la divina_fw-la sunt_fw-la imperiale_a aliquod_fw-la jus_o habere_fw-la soro_fw-la do_v not_o think_v thyself_o to_o have_v any_o imperial_a right_n over_o divine_a thing_n and_o else_o where_o that_o christ_n send_v his_o disciple_n to_o sow_v the_o faith_n who_o be_v not_o to_o compel_v but_o to_o teach_v not_o to_o exercise_v force_n and_o power_n but_o to_o extol_v the_o doctrine_n of_o humility_n so_o tertullian_n lex_fw-la nava_fw-la von_n se_fw-la vindicat_fw-la ultore_fw-la gladio_fw-la the_o gospel_n do_v not_o support_v itself_o by_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o say_v hilary_n deus_fw-la cognitionem_fw-la svi_fw-la docuit_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la exegit_fw-la god_n have_v rather_o teach_v than_o extort_a the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o write_v to_o the_o emperor_n constantius_n const._n we_o beseech_v faith_n he_o not_o with_o word_n only_o but_o with_o tear_n that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v no_o long_o oppress_v with_o grievous_a injury_n and_o sustain_v into-berable_a persecution_n and_o contumely_n and_o that_o which_o be_v shameful_a even_o of_o our_o brethren_n let_v your_o clemency_n therefore_o provide_v and_o appoint_v that_o all_o judge_n every_o where_o to_o who_o province_n be_v commit_v who_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n and_o charge_n of_o commonwealth_n matter_n only_o refrain_v meddle_v with_o religion_n the_o like_a may_v be_v produce_v from_o most_o of_o the_o father_n who_o express_o exclude_v force_n and_o complusion_n in_o religion_n be_v unanimous_a in_o this_o that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v require_v to_o profess_v what_o he_o believe_v not_o nor_o practise_v in_o religion_n what_o he_o approve_v not_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o sufficient_a for_o this_o answerer_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n own_v and_o have_v prove_v the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n without_o give_v we_o far_a evidence_n thereof_o since_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o religion_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o compulsion_n though_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v require_v the_o performance_n of_o those_o religious_a duty_n which_o none_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v such_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o good_a king_n of_o israel_n or_o judah_n ever_o do_v which_o none_o sure_o ever_o think_v to_o be_v any_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o do_v the_o statute_n primo_fw-la elizabethae_fw-la prove_v as_o he_o say_v that_o our_o ancestor_n have_v other_o thought_n concern_v this_o matter_n because_o they_o levy_v the_o penalty_n of_o 12d_o upon_o such_o person_n as_o have_v no_o lawful_a or_o reasonable_a excuse_n for_o not_o come_v to_o church_n since_o they_o who_o have_v not_o that_o and_o yet_o come_v not_o may_v reasonable_o enough_o be_v punish_v if_o independent_n who_o say_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o steal_v do_v themselves_o steal_v they_o be_v the_o more_o inexcusable_a but_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o this_o answerer_n may_v be_v mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o though_o he_o will_v have_v it_o think_v the_o quaker_n who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o new-england_n suffer_v for_o religion_n the_o contrary_n be_v well_o know_v it_o be_v only_o for_o the_o insufferable_a disturbance_n they_o give_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n wherever_o they_o come_v and_o that_o not_o till_o after_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n be_v use_v to_o have_v reclaim_v they_o or_o prevent_v those_o disorder_n they_o return_v after_o banishment_n upon_o banishment_n and_o even_o at_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n be_v offer_v their_o life_n if_o they_o will_v then_o but_o have_v promise_v to_o depart_v the_o country_n or_o to_o forbear_v disturb_v the_o public_a assembly_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o print_a narrative_n of_o that_o matter_n and_o though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o some_o mild_a course_n may_v have_v be_v take_v with_o they_o yet_o they_o suffer_v not_o for_o religion_n but_o for_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n in_o disturb_v the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o for_o his_o conclusive_a citation_n out_o of_o calvin_n that_o there_o be_v none_o plead_v against_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n and_o sword_n of_o justice_n but_o those_o who_o out_o of_o consciousness_n of_o their_o own_o heresy_n schism_n and_o misdeed_n be_v in_o danger_n and_o afraid_a of_o suffer_v by_o it_o and_o therefore_o will_v wrest_v the_o sword_n out_o of_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n that_o they_o may_v persevere_v in_o their_o heresy_n schism_n blasphemy_n and_o offence_n without_o punishment_n and_o remorse_n if_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o that_o eminent_a divine_a and_o servant_n of_o god_n i_o can_v upon_o my_o own_o sure_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n say_v he_o be_v therein_o great_o mistake_v in_o that_o there_o be_v who_o plead_v against_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o religion_n on_o no_o other_o account_n then_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o interest_n that_o so_o neither_o the_o magistrate_n may_v incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o punish_v the_o innocent_a nor_o the_o guiltless_a suffer_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o nocent_a through_o that_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o most_o of_o man_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n of_o which_o whoever_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o the_o too_o lamentable_a experience_n of_o almost_o all_o age_n time_n and_o place_n in_o which_o truth_n have_v suffer_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o error_n and_o error_n be_v promote_v instead_o of_o truth_n i_o shall_v not_o hope_v to_o rectify_v their_o judgement_n by_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v here_o say_v do_v indeed_o any_o plead_v for_o blasphemer_n or_o evil-doer_n or_o that_o impious_a or_o immoral_a person_n of_o any_o kind_n may_v be_v exempt_a from_o the_o magistrate_n jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n to_o punish_v there_o may_v be_v some_o colour_n for_o what_o have_v be_v here_o say_v but_o while_o the_o plea_n be_v only_o against_o the_o magistrate_n interpose_v and_o exercise_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o disputable_a point_n in_o controversy_n only_o of_o truth_n and_o error_n in_o religion_n of_o which_o he_o be_v not_o a_o competent_a judge_n and_o which_o be_v not_o within_o his_o province_n to_o determine_v and_o punish_v it_o be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n not_o improbable_o proceed_v from_o this_o eminent_a and_o good_a man_n though_o herein_o great_o mistake_v upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o too_o severe_a deal_n with_o servetus_n who_o he_o cause_v
all_o those_o act_n flow_v from_o conscience_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a strange_a thing_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o who_o tell_v he_o that_o no_o coercieve_v power_n must_v be_v use_v against_o those_o criminal_n who_o action_n flow_v from_o conscience_n or_o who_o question_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n to_o punish_v such_o as_o blaspheme_v god_n or_o christ_n or_o religion_n or_o that_o they_o who_o speak_v lie_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o preach_v and_o teach_v they_o in_o hypocrasie_n may_v not_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o when_o prove_v against_o they_o but_o we_o still_o say_v that_o to_o execute_v before_o conviction_n and_o judgement_n be_v against_o all_o rule_n and_o form_n of_o justice_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o such_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o no_o sober_a or_o judicious_a heathen_a be_v ever_o yet_o guilty_a off_o but_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o discourse_n be_v ground_v on_o this_o absurdity_n which_o the_o query_n give_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o viz._n that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o what_o they_o do_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n which_o no_o man_n sure_a in_o his_o sense_n ever_o affirm_v every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v proceed_v against_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrateâ—_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o his_o offence_n be_v it_o never_o so_o much_o according_a to_o his_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v but_o he_o tell_v we_o every_o christian_a be_v to_o act_v out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o of_o the_o first_o which_o no_o man_n sure_a ever_o doubt_v off_o nor_o do_v any_o rational_a man_n ever_o say_v that_o conscience_n be_v a_o sufficient_a plea_n against_o the_o coercive_a power_n of_o king_n the_o magistrate_n may_v certain_o enact_v penal_a law_n against_o murder_n felony_n and_o the_o like_a moral_a evil_n whatever_o he_o may_v do_v against_o infidelity_n schism_n heresy_n or_o error_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o force_v or_o compel_v any_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o act_v against_o their_o light_n and_o conscience_n the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n may_v use_v his_o coercive_a power_n to_o punish_v for_o sin_n but_o whether_o he_o may_v compel_v man_n to_o sin_n as_o most_o certain_o they_o do_v who_o compel_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o any_o other_o way_n or_o manner_n than_o they_o be_v persuade_v god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o require_v of_o they_o query_n xv._n whether_o to_o require_v conformity_n in_o practice_n where_o there_o be_v difference_n in_o judgement_n be_v not_o to_o command_v a_o man_n to_o act_v against_o light_n and_o conscience_n and_o consequent_o to_o sin_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n to_o the_o question_n he_o propose_v i_o answer_v the_o superior_a not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o take_v care_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o inferior_a to_o practise_v according_a to_o his_o which_o be_v yet_o no_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o cause_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v those_o under_o his_o charge_n to_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o so_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o command_v they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n or_o manner_n as_o they_o judge_v sinful_a or_o not_o according_a to_o god_n institution_n and_o appointment_n he_o ought_v indeed_o to_o endeavour_v their_o conviction_n by_o all_o due_a and_o just_a mean_n who_o he_o judge_v in_o any_o kind_n to_o err_v but_o not_o to_o force_v they_o to_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n against_o their_o judgement_n since_o as_o have_v be_v often_o inculcate_v whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o as_o he_o say_v conceive_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o such_o way_n and_o method_n as_o be_v diametrical_o contrary_a to_o god_n will_v and_o subversive_a to_o the_o magistrate_n government_n let_v they_o be_v implead_v and_o punish_v after_o due_a conviction_n and_o judgement_n but_o not_o before_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o a_o governor_n may_v think_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o command_v what_o a_o inferior_a may_v be_v persuade_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o obey_v the_o superior_n conscience_n be_v as_o certain_a a_o rule_n in_o command_v as_o the_o inferior_n can_v be_v to_o he_o in_o disobey_v but_o with_o our_o answerer_n good_a leave_n this_o be_v not_o as_o he_o say_v the_o case_n between_o the_o king_n of_o england_n and_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n his_o majesty_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v in_o his_o late_a gracious_a declaration_n of_o indulgence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o against_o his_o conscience_n to_o give_v liberty_n to_o dissenter_n but_o how_o f_o will_v he_o insinuate_v here_o that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o coronation_n oath_n so_o to_o do_v in_o that_o he_o say_v his_o majesty_n swear_v that_o he_o will_v defend_v and_o preserve_v to_o the_o clergy_n all_o canonical_a privilege_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o this_o oath_n can_v be_v perform_v unless_o the_o clergy_n have_v now_o the_o like_a privilege_n as_o heretofore_o to_o burn_v masacre_n and_o destroy_v the_o faithful_a servant_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n may_v possible_o as_o he_o say_v be_v past_o his_o power_n to_o conceive_v and_o determine_v for_o nothing_o less_o it_o seem_v will_v satisfy_v he_o then_o all_o the_o canonical_a privilege_n and_o free-franchise_n grant_v to_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o glorious_a st._n edward_n and_o other_o king_n and_o what_o they_o be_v may_v deserve_v consideration_n but_o as_o he_o very_o well_o say_v every_o prince_n owe_v a_o strict_a account_n to_o god_n of_o his_o crown_n and_o government_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o place_n oblige_v he_o to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o people_n which_o certain_o he_o do_v not_o who_o permit_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n under_o the_o pretext_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o trample_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n mankind_n under_o their_o foot_n even_o prince_n themselves_o where_o they_o be_v able_a which_o if_o seemly_a in_o their_o eye_n be_v not_o so_o i_o hope_v in_o other_o whether_o differnce_n in_o judgement_n will_v justify_v any_o man_n from_o inconformity_n in_o practice_n he_o advise_v his_o reader_n to_o consider_v the_o strict_a account_n christ_n call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n to_o 20._o for_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v his_o servant_n and_o will_v be_v resolve_v whether_o the_o bishop_n or_o angel_n may_v not_o have_v excuse_v his_o own_o neglect_n by_o plead_v for_o jezabel_n that_o her_o judgement_n differ_v from_o he_o and_o to_o make_v her_o practice_n thing_n quite_o contrary_a to_o her_o judgement_n be_v that_o christ_n never_o do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n it_o be_v a_o invasion_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v a_o constrain_a of_o they_o to_o act_v against_o their_o own_o light_n and_o consequent_o to_o sin_n risum_fw-la tenaatis_fw-la amici_n can_v any_o forbear_v laughter_n at_o such_o ridiculous_a reason_n be_v not_o this_o answerer_n able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o command_v to_o sin_n and_o restrain_v from_o sin_n have_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o jezabels_n nonconformity_n such_o a_o plea_n may_v have_v be_v pertinent_a but_o his_o crime_n be_v not_o the_o make_v her_o practice_n thing_n contrary_a to_o her_o judgement_n which_o yet_o to_o have_v do_v may_v have_v be_v a_o crime_n but_o the_o suffer_v she_o to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v without_o control_v without_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o oppose_v it_o to_o her_o error_n which_o will_v not_o have_v be_v a_o constrain_a she_o to_o act_v against_o her_o light_n but_o the_o enlight_v she_o sound_a doctrine_n diligent_o and_o due_o teach_v be_v sufficient_a against_o seducer_n we_o have_v not_o else_o hear_v of_o many_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v neither_o in_o the_o day_n of_o jezabel_n nor_o long_o after_o any_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n to_o protect_v or_o defend_v they_o what_o the_o reverend_a mr._n perking_n say_v of_o restrain_v error_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o query_n which_o oppose_v only_o the_o compel_v to_o sin_n yet_o we_o will_v as_o much_o as_o any_o
to_o be_v burn_v alive_a at_o geneva_n query_n viii_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o incongruous_a and_o heterogeniall_a to_o punish_v corporal_o man_n err_v spiritual_o reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n the_o question_n be_v not_o here_o whether_o any_o judge_n or_o justice_n can_v take_v cognizance_n of_o man_n thought_n or_o conscience_n nor_o when_o wickedness_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v manifest_v by_o external_a action_n whether_o liable_a to_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o inspection_n none_o i_o think_v ever_o question_v either_o of_o they_o but_o whether_o man_n err_v spiritual_o ought_v corporal_o to_o be_v punish_v paul_n be_v reckon_a heresy_n among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o tell_v the_o gorinthians_n they_o be_v carnal_a from_o the_o schism_n and_o disorder_n that_o be_v among_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o but_o say_v this_o answerer_n certain_o any_o sensual_a sin_n may_v be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a sword_n what_o think_v he_o then_o of_o hatred_n wrath_n covetousness_n emulation_n envy_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v sensual_a sin_n or_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o not_o therefore_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o civil_a sword_n but_o why_o be_v they_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o who_o gather_v church_n etc._n etc._n more_o than_o spiritual_o erroneous_a how_o come_v that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a errand_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o immediate_a successor_n now_o to_o become_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n be_v it_o that_o man_n or_o child_n rather_o be_v now_o bear_v christian_n or_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o though_o improper_o express_v or_o in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o parish_n they_o do_v thereby_o become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o one_o certain_o who_o understand_v what_o either_o a_o christian_n or_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v can_v think_v so_o and_o wherein_o do_v they_o as_o he_o say_v despise_v government_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o law_n do_v he_o not_o but_o now_o tell_v we_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o society_n without_o government_n how_o then_o come_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n to_o be_v a_o despise_n of_o government_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o law_n undoubted_o there_o be_v a_o law_n and_o a_o divine_a law_n to_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o i_o hope_v neither_o this_o answerer_n nor_o any_o who_o own_o themselves_o christian_n doubt_v it_o to_o be_v there_o be_v little_a reason_n sure_a to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v the_o inticer_n to_o idolatry_n mention_v in_o deutromony_n may_v as_o well_o have_v plead_v it_o be_v only_o a_o error_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v minister_n for_o that_o none_o certain_o can_v imagine_v that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o they_o to_o draw_v any_o from_o the_o true_a god_n to_o worship_v idol_n it_o be_v against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n in_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n 19_o be_v manifest_a in_o they_o it_o may_v therefore_o for_o any_o thing_n this_o answerer_n have_v here_o say_v be_v both_o incongruous_a and_o heterogenial_a to_o punish_v corporal_o man_n err_v spiritual_o query_n ix_o whether_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o thing_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v not_o the_o arm_n of_o antichrist_n and_o not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o answerer_n may_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_fw-mi inform_v we_o how_o secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n towards_o some_o be_v as_o he_o say_v antichristian_a and_o not_o towards_o other_o the_o difference_n not_o be_v evident_a at_o least_o to_o all_o capacity_n we_o be_v not_o here_o inquire_v after_o what_o be_v so_o much_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o though_o our_o answerer_n express_v his_o dislike_n of_o the_o spaniard_n deal_n with_o the_o indian_n gracious_o acknowledge_v that_o propriety_n be_v not_o forfeit_v by_o unbelief_n yet_o but_o now_o speak_v of_o dissenter_n here_o he_o say_v q._n if_o they_o disapprove_v of_o the_o decision_n of_o their_o superior_n the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o they_o may_v leave_v the_o government_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o pure_a church_n which_o be_v but_o in_o other_o word_n to_o say_v be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o your_o country_n or_o abandon_v your_o property_n with_o the_o land_n of_o your_o nativity_n but_o shall_v providence_n permit_v the_o establishment_n of_o a_o religion_n in_o this_o nation_n he_o approve_v not_o of_o if_o he_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o approve_v of_o whatever_o shall_v be_v the_o national_a religion_n will_v he_o not_o think_v himself_o hardly_o deal_v with_o to_o be_v require_v to_o conform_v or_o to_o abandon_v his_o native_a country_n he_o may_v do_v well_o therefore_o to_o meditate_v a_o little_a on_o that_o no_o less_o divine_a then_o moral_a precept_n of_o do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o he_o the_o cannon_n he_o mention_n be_v indeed_o very_o pertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n so_o likewise_o be_v what_o he_o cites_n from_o tertullian_n and_o lactantius_n but_o then_o without_o the_o least_o colour_n or_o shadow_n of_o reason_n and_o perhaps_o only_o because_o grotius_n say_v 20._o it_o be_v not_o just_a or_o lawful_a to_o make_v war_n upon_o any_o because_o they_o will_v not_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o prince_n raise_v war_n against_o pagan_a nation_n to_o compel_v and_o force_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o it_o be_v very_o well_o and_o judicious_o observe_v of_o he_o that_o these_o thing_n nothing_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o universal_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n in_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o need_n of_o compel_v or_o force_v any_o to_o profess_v what_o all_o already_o do_v profess_v but_o yet_o even_o in_o such_o a_o kingdom_n magistrate_n he_o say_v may_v use_v compulsive_a method_n to_o secure_v their_o people_n from_o a_o total_a and_o manifest_a apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a faith_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o will_v free_o allow_v he_o if_o compulsive_a method_n can_v secure_v a_o people_n from_o apostasy_n and_o that_o through_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n of_o the_o truth_n magistrate_n do_v not_o too_o often_o instead_o thereof_o compel_v to_o error_n but_o none_o sure_o will_v say_v but_o that_o magistrate_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o repress_v such_o seducer_n as_o threaten_v the_o extirpation_n of_o their_o own_o government_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o true_a faith_n too_o be_v it_o once_o determine_v which_o among_o the_o many_o that_o will_v be_v so_o account_v be_v the_o true_a what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o religious_a prince_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v be_v already_o speak_v to_o query_n x._o whether_o any_o one_o can_v be_v compel_v by_o secular_a force_n or_o compulsion_n to_o perform_v any_o one_o religious_a duty_n acceptable_o since_o god_n accept_v not_o of_o any_o but_o what_o be_v volâ—ntary_a and_o of_o faith_n which_o can_v be_v force_v and_o of_o what_o use_v then_o be_v secular_a force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o make_v man_n sin_n or_o suffer_v reply_v to_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n this_o query_n which_o this_o answerer_n say_v with_o other_o be_v forge_v in_o the_o shop_n of_o the_o socinian_o and_o anabaptist_n be_v with_o the_o rest_n ground_v on_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n with_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v little_o acquaint_v or_o with_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n in_o say_v that_o it_o may_v with_o as_o much_o strength_n of_o reason_n be_v urge_v against_o the_o magistrate_n use_v compulsive_a method_n towards_o his_o subject_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o 2d_o table_n aâ—_n those_o of_o the_o first_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o force_v man_n to_o moral_a action_n and_o divine_a duty_n since_o in_o thing_n moral_a the_o action_n however_o circumstantiate_v be_v in_o itself_o positive_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o in_o thing_n of_o divine_a institution_n the_o manner_n only_o of_o the_o performance_n make_v the_o action_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v 3._o he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o kill_v a_o man_n and_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n where_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o command_n be_v not_o observe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o
matter_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o such_o gospel_n duty_n the_o goodness_n whereof_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o institution_n and_o therein_o the_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n must_v be_v punctual_o observe_v nay_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v these_o duty_n determine_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o for_o if_o they_o be_v perform_v in_o their_o due_a manner_n the_o action_n be_v good_a if_o not_o the_o action_n itself_o be_v sinful_a this_o answerer_n therefore_o run_v himself_o into_o this_o error_n by_o not_o distinguish_v between_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o those_o thing_n who_o goodness_n depend_v whole_o upon_o institution_n and_o consequent_o on_o their_o due_a performance_n authority_n therefore_o may_v oblige_v man_n to_o be_v loyal_a and_o peaceable_a honest_a and_o just_a which_o be_v moral_a virtue_n and_o punish_v they_o if_o they_o be_v rebellious_a and_o seditious_a injurious_a and_o theives_n which_o be_v moral_a evil_n yet_o can_v force_v any_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o a_o acceptable_a performance_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o abstinence_n from_o the_o other_o because_o god_n accept_v only_o of_o the_o heart_n or_o a_o hearty_a obedience_n which_o can_v be_v so_o force_v it_o have_v be_v already_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n that_o magistrate_n may_v command_v their_o people_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o god_n have_v command_v and_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v he_o will_v be_v serve_v but_o no_o otherwise_o since_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n which_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o compel_v to_o yet_o may_v he_o prohibit_v the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v either_o dishonour_n or_o destroy_v government_n every_o king_n be_v as_o he_o say_v both_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ruler_n of_o his_o people_n and_o oblige_v to_o the_o duty_n he_o mention_n as_o have_v be_v already_o acknowledge_v nor_o be_v as_o he_o say_v our_o governor_n so_o much_o to_o consider_v our_o willingness_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o our_o benefit_n and_o their_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o their_o duty_n to_o force_v any_o to_o worship_n god_n after_o any_o other_o way_n or_o manner_n than_o they_o be_v persuade_v god_n will_v be_v worship_v or_o that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o since_o as_o have_v be_v say_v what_o be_v not_o faith_n be_v sin_n which_o the_o magistrate_n by_o force_v to_o become_v guilty_a of_o nor_o be_v it_o for_o their_o people_n benefit_n to_o be_v force_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n beyond_o their_o conviction_n all_o such_o performance_n be_v in_o themselves_o sinful_a and_o for_o this_o answerer_n to_o say_v it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v find_v as_o great_a a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n to_o force_v some_o to_o go_v to_o church_n as_o it_o be_v to_o force_v some_o boy_n to_o go_v to_o school_n speak_v he_o very_o unfit_a to_o be_v a_o instructor_n and_o teacher_n of_o other_o who_o be_v himself_o so_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o religion_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v the_o magistrate_n will_v find_v the_o benefit_n by_o exercise_v his_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v of_o that_o alone_o we_o be_v here_o speak_v in_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o own_o law_n and_o authority_n the_o contrary_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o wherever_o his_o authority_n interpose_v itself_o where_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v immediate_o concern_v as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o action_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o shall_v by_o religious_a and_o pious_a person_n be_v judge_v to_o interfere_v therewith_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v contemn_v and_o disobey_v as_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o darius_n record_v in_o the_o three_o and_o six_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n and_o as_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n 4._o when_o they_o forbid_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o speak_v or_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o be_v it_o likely_a to_o be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o person_n on_o who_o such_o method_n be_v use_v for_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o god_n appointment_n unto_o any_o such_o end_n as_o well_o as_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n thereunto_o improper_a his_o blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v to_o go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v better_a for_o man_n to_o come_v within_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v persuade_v to_o religion_n and_o reduce_v to_o sober_a apprehension_n of_o it_o then_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o schism_n and_o voluntary_a neglect_n of_o all_o piety_n be_v very_o wide_a from_o this_o question_n which_o neither_o countenance_n schism_n nor_o discountenance_n piety_n but_o will_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o any_o other_o way_n or_o manner_n than_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v or_o they_o judge_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o nor_o be_v all_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n and_o a_o voluntary_a neglect_n of_o piety_n who_o frequent_v not_o the_o public_a worship_n wherever_o they_o live_v much_o less_o to_o be_v out_o of_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v persuade_v to_o religion_n and_o void_a of_o all_o sober_a apprehension_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o compulsion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o persuade_v or_o reduce_v any_o unto_o that_o its_o efficacy_n lie_v the_o other_o way_n it_o breed_v rather_o a_o aversion_n and_o abhorrency_n towards_o it_o and_o towards_o those_o that_o use_v it_o but_o say_v our_o answerer_n suppose_v the_o worst_a viz._n that_o compel_v man_n to_o church_n do_v not_o produce_v any_o inward_a change_n in_o their_o mind_n yet_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n conducive_a to_o so_o bless_a a_o end_n but_o who_o i_o will_v know_v tell_v he_o so_o it_o be_v no_o mean_n i_o be_o sure_a of_o christ_n appointment_n nor_o do_v he_o himself_o ever_o use_v it_o salvation_n indeed_o he_o offer_v which_o who_o so_o refuse_v at_o his_o peril_n those_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v they_o hear_v be_v the_o usual_a conclusion_n of_o his_o sermon_n he_o send_v likewise_o his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o not_o to_o force_v or_o compel_v any_o to_o hear_v they_o 15._o but_o suppose_v say_v the_o pious_a and_o learned_a bishop_n davenant_n some_o shall_v be_v so_o obstinate_a they_o will_v not_o receive_v this_o gospel_n shall_v they_o then_o exercise_v no_o temporal_a power_n none_o at_o all_o say_v he_o they_o be_v command_v to_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n from_o their_o foot_n as_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o command_v to_o compel_v they_o by_o any_o external_a force_n or_o violence_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o this_o answerer_n shall_v providence_n permit_v the_o re-establishment_n of_o popery_n in_o this_o nation_n whether_o the_o compel_a he_o to_o church_n will_v be_v a_o mean_n conducive_a to_o his_o conversion_n if_o it_o will_v can_v he_o doubt_v but_o they_o who_o will_v esteem_v it_o a_o bless_a work_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o it_o then_o as_o he_o be_v now_o perhaps_o he_o may_v say_v the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a while_o all_o other_o on_o either_o hand_n of_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n which_o be_v not_o impossible_a though_o very_o improbable_a yet_o whilst_o other_o think_v themselves_o as_o much_o in_o the_o right_a as_o he_o the_o case_n will_v be_v the_o same_o and_o he_o may_v reasonable_o enough_o expect_v the_o same_o measure_n he_o mete_n will_v be_v measure_v to_o he_o again_o that_o hypocrasie_n the_o sin_n against_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n denounce_v so_o many_o woe_n shall_v be_v prefer_v as_o by_o he_o it_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n be_v what_o i_o have_v not_o before_o meet_v with_o such_o preacher_n therefore_o may_v well_o plead_v for_o compel_v to_o their_o church_n who_o be_v not_o otherwise_o likely_a to_o have_v many_o hearer_n nor_o do_v i_o understand_v the_o logic_n of_o all_o man_n be_v advantage_v by_o forceable_a method_n because_o some_o may_v be_v external_o reform_v while_o other_o again_o be_v thereby_o apparent_o injure_v and_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o here_o talk_v of_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o act_v their_o abominable_a lust_n which_o we_o no_o less_o wish_n than_o he_o nor_o do_v this_o query_n infer_v the_o contrary_a though_o he_o will_v have_v it_o think_v to_o countenance_v impiety_n and_o a_o scornful_a contempt_n of_o the_o church_n and_o justitution_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o aim_v only_o at_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n in_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o christ_n institution_n by_o which_o the_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o god_n
conscience_n or_o the_o mind_n constrain_v to_o understand_v to_o fear_v love_n hate_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v elicit_v act_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o can_v be_v force_v or_o violate_v by_o all_o the_o compulsive_a power_n in_o the_o world_n do_v he_o then_o conceive_v conscience_n to_o be_v concern_v only_o in_o think_v or_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n conscience_n certain_o be_v concern_v in_o all_o a_o man_n action_n which_o none_o sure_a who_o know_v what_o conscience_n be_v ever_o yet_o doubt_v he_o have_v therefore_o cause_n to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v all_o this_o signify_v very_o little_a in_o the_o present_a debate_n not_o because_o as_o he_o say_v no_o authority_n ever_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o man_n mind_n but_o for_o that_o conscience_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o external_n action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n conscience_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o performance_n or_o non-performance_n of_o every_o duty_n god_n command_v and_o conscience_n be_v violate_v when_o any_o through_o dread_n and_o fear_n be_v awe_v or_o deter_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n they_o judge_v god_n require_v of_o they_o or_o provoke_v or_o urge_v to_o do_v what_o they_o be_v no_o less_o persuade_v he_o dislike_v or_o prohibit_v they_o but_o how_o impertinent_o be_v we_o here_o tell_v when_o man_n opinion_n be_v reclude_v and_o lock_v within_o their_o own_o breast_n the_o magistrate_n never_o concern_v himself_o about_o they_o for_o how_o shall_v the_o magistrate_n concern_v himself_o about_o that_o he_o neither_o know_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o cognizance_n of_o and_o how_o ignorant_o if_o not_o deceitful_o do_v he_o here_o urge_v that_o say_n of_o st._n paul_n 14._o have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n thereby_o intend_v that_o man_n shall_v keep_v their_o faith_n and_o opinion_n to_o themselves_o when_o he_o speak_v to_o quit_v another_o purpose_n for_o speak_v of_o meat_n which_o some_o forbear_v as_o judge_v they_o unlawful_a he_o advise_v those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v to_o forbear_v their_o christian_a liberty_n when_o it_o offend_v those_o be_v not_o yet_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v thereof_o that_o be_v have_v attain_v a_o sure_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o other_o doubt_v they_o may_v use_v their_o liberty_n therein_o when_o it_o give_v no_o offence_n to_o their_o brethren_n so_o keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o and_o not_o use_v it_o to_o the_o offence_n or_o scandal_n of_o other_o as_o be_v evident_a to_o whoever_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o context_n but_o none_o sure_a ever_o affirm_v the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o consult_v man_n private_a conscience_n and_o not_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o safety_n of_o his_o own_o person_n and_o government_n and_o his_o people_n benefit_n and_o good_a that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n for_o a_o man_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n then_o to_o act_v against_o they_o as_o he_o say_v be_v a_o assertion_n i_o have_v not_o before_o meet_v with_o for_o whatever_o sin_n a_o man_n commit_v act_v according_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n be_v at_o most_o but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n which_o excuse_v à _fw-la tanto_fw-la though_o not_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la whereas_o he_o that_o act_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o conscience_n be_v guilty_a of_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_v which_o admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n yea_o be_v the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n that_o can_v be_v and_o yet_o have_v he_o the_o confidence_n to_o say_v this_o so_o notorious_o false_a assertion_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n but_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o say_v he_o speak_v of_o a_o sear_a conscience_n of_o man_n who_o conscience_n be_v defile_v of_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v man_n of_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o of_o sear_a and_o defile_v conscience_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n for_o a_o man_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n then_o to_o act_v against_o they_o man_n of_o sear_a conscience_n may_v be_v say_v rather_o to_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o what_o they_o do_v then_o to_o act_n either_o with_o or_o against_o their_o conscience_n for_o a_o sear_a conscience_n be_v a_o dead_a or_o stupid_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n without_o sense_n or_o feel_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o who_o conscience_n be_v defile_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a defilement_n of_o conscience_n then_o to_o act_v against_o it_o but_o what_o be_v our_o bless_a saviour_n prediction_n of_o the_o time_n come_v wherein_o some_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n service_n in_o kill_a christian_n to_o this_o query_n be_v it_o that_o man_n of_o such_o prevert_v apprehension_n be_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o worship_n god_n otherwise_o then_o they_o be_v persuade_v god_n will_v be_v worship_v or_o how_o do_v he_o apply_v it_o there_o be_v none_o sure_a who_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n will_v glad_o have_v slay_v peter_n and_o john_n for_o preach_v christ_n as_o no_o doubt_n will_v other_o who_o at_o this_o day_n be_v no_o less_o grieve_v at_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n slay_v their_o successor_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n do_v not_o the_o good_a hand_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n restrain_v they_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o present_a question_n or_o what_o be_v paul_n plead_v conscience_n for_o persecute_v christ_n disciple_n and_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n these_o indeed_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v man_n of_o erroneous_a conscience_n and_o none_o sure_a ever_o doubt_v or_o question_v but_o that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v punish_v man_n act_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n if_o what_o they_o so_o do_v be_v evil_a pretence_n of_o conscience_n no_o way_n justify_v a_o evil_a action_n before_o man_n how_o far_o soever_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n may_v excuse_v it_o before_o god_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o force_v any_o to_o act_v against_o their_o conscience_n and_o how_o impertinent_o be_v it_o here_o ask_v whether_o it_o have_v be_v to_o commit_v a_o rape_n upon_o st._n paul_n '_o s_o conscience_n to_o have_v punish_v he_o for_o persecute_v christ_n disciple_n as_o if_o to_o punish_v a_o evil_a action_n voluntary_o commit_v and_o to_o force_v and_o compel_v any_o to_o what_o be_v evil_a be_v the_o same_o thing_n yet_o he_o say_v he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o it_o will_v be_v here_o say_v though_o he_o know_v not_o well_o what_o himself_o say_v that_o a_o magistrate_n may_v punish_v for_o murder_n and_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o second_o table_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o he_o say_v be_v easy_a if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o just_a so_o our_o magistrate_n do_v when_o they_o execute_v any_o of_o the_o penal_a law_n statute_n upon_o dissenter_n this_o indeed_o be_v easy_a say_v then_o understand_v for_o what_o mean_v he_o by_o he_o just_o so_o what_o law_n of_o the_o 2d_o table_n be_v dissenter_n as_o such_o guilty_a of_o the_o violation_n off_o or_o what_o law_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n do_v they_o therein_o transgress_v i_o will_v not_o say_v i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v here_o say_v but_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v say_v they_o disobey_v the_o command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v punish_v aught_o than_o all_o command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n to_o be_v actual_o obey_v i_o know_v not_o what_o this_o answerer_n may_v say_v but_o be_o very_o confident_a none_o who_o understand_v themselves_o will_v say_v so_o but_o they_o may_v perhaps_o say_v all_z the_o lawful_a command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n aught_o to_o be_v obey_v they_o ought_v so_o yet_o this_o exception_n lie_v against_o the_o general_a rule_n that_o if_o the_o person_n who_o obedience_n be_v require_v judge_v they_o unlawful_a though_o in_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v lawful_a he_o may_v not_o active_o obey_v they_o but_o he_o proceed_v and_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n for_o any_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n to_o punish_v man_n for_o word_n and_o action_n tend_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o private_a person_n etc._n etc._n but_o let_v they_o speak_v never_o so_o many_o lie_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o preach_v and_o teach_v they_o in_o hypocrasie_n let_v they_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o religion_n then_o authority_n have_v its_o hand_n tie_v up_o no_o coercive_a power_n must_v be_v use_v against_o any_o such_o criminal_n for_o